Deputy steps up as Chair of police body

BTPA can announce Brian Phillpott has stepped up as interim Chair of the body that oversees the work of British Transport Police whilst the Department for Transport (DfT) seeks a new appointment (15 August).

The Secretary of State for Transport gave agreement for Brian, who until Friday was the Deputy chair of the BTPA, to take up the post supported by interim Deputy Chair Liz France who has been an Authority Member since 2010.

The announcement follows the departure of former Chair Millie Banerjee who left BTPA on Friday.

Both Brian and Liz will work closely with Members, BTP’s Chief Constable and the Authority’s Chief Executive to maintain the strategy the Authority has set – and that the Force is delivering – in order to reduce disruption and crime on the railways whilst increasing passenger confidence, all within a tightly controlled budget.

BTPA Chief Executive Andrew Figgures said: “Brian and Liz will provide much needed continuity over the period of the spending review and whilst the Force is undergoing a major transformation as well as managing the increased threat level to our railways.”

DfT are expected to appoint a new chair before the end of the year.